Places to see on Florida's Gulf Coast

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
261 7th St. in Apalachicola. (850) 653-8063. Observe snakes, reptiles and other wild native species in the "Estuarine Walk."

Cape St. George Lighthouse
Built in 1852, this historic lighthouse on Little St. George Island was damaged severely during Hurricane Opal in 1995. It is located on the cape. You can contribute to the Save the Light fund to assist with repairing the damage. Contact Resort Vacation Properties for more information. Toll Free (877) 676-8389.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse
A steel skeleton structure built in 1885 and moved to its present location in 1919, this navigation aid was put out of service in January of 1996. It is located at the Cape San Blas Coast Guard Station off County Road 30E.

Cape St. George Reserve
St. George Island was divided into two parts by the Army Corps of Engineers when creating the Bob Sikes Channel in the mid 1950's. The island is accessible only by boat. Known also as Little St. George, it is managed by Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks in cooperation with the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Open for hiking, primitive camping, nature study, swimming and fishing. (850) 927-2111.

Constitutional Convention State Museum
200 Allen Memorial Way (off Highway 98) in Gulf County's Port St. Joe. Commemorates drafting of Florida's first constitution (1830's). (850) 229-8029.

Dead Lakes State Recreation Area
Off State Road 71 one mile north of Gulf County's Wewahitchka (850) 639-2702. Uniquely shaped dead trees make this a must for camera buffs and artists. Fishing, boating (ramp available), camping and nature study.

Frank Pate Park
Located in downtown Port St. Joe, this park features a lighted regulation tennis court, picnic tables, playground, boat launching ramp, fishing pier and restroom facilities.

Golf
The St. Joseph's Bay Country Club, with its 18-hole Par 73 regulation course, is about 40 miles west of St. George Island on Route C-30S in Gulf County. The Club welcomes visitors. (850) 227-1751. Or Wildwood Country Club in Wakulla County, one hour east of St. George Island on Highway 98. (850) 926-4653.

Governor Stone Sailing Ship
Sunset sails, Apalachicola River cruises, family outings and other sailing trips are available on the 119-year-old antique schooner, the Governor Stone. The 63-foot schooner is a floating museum available for charters through the Apalachicola Maritime Museum. (850) 653-8708.

JOHN GORRIE STATE MUSEUM
John Gorrie State Museum
Sixth Street off Highway 98 in Franklin County's Historic Downtown Apalachicola. (850) 653-9347.

Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site
Six miles east of Wakulla County's St. Marks. Confederate forces repelled three Union attacks in waning weeks of War Between the States at this site. (850) 925-6216.

Ochlockonee River State Park
Highway 98 to US 319 four miles south of Wakulla County's Sopchoppy. Nearly 400 acres for fishing (boat ramp), camping, picnicking and nature study. (850) 962-2771.

Salinas Park
This beachfront park on Cape San Blas is nestled among some of the largest sand dunes on the Cape and features boardwalks, a covered gazebo, picnic tables, restrooms, outdoor showers and a playground.

San Marcos Historic Site
Highway 98 to Wakulla County's St. Marks. Museum houses artifacts and history laden documents. (850) 925-6216.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
At the tip of Gulf County's Cape San Blas via State Road C-30 off Highway 98 near Port St. Joe or Apalachicola. More than 2,500 acres surrounded by Gulf and Bay featuring camping (cabins), fishing (boat ramp), hiking and swimming. (850) 227-1327.

St. George Island State Park
East end of St. George Island via County Road 300. Nine miles of sandy shore plus fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, nature study and camping. (850) 927-2111.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
An undeveloped barrier island just offshore from the mouth of the Apalachicola River, accessible by boat only. Initially established as a refuge for waterfowl, its mission now includes habitat protection for endangered species and the provision of recreational activities. (850) 653-8808.

Wakulla Springs State Park
14 miles south of Tallahassee on SR 267. Home of one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs plus lots of waterfowl, swimming, picnicking and nature trails. (850) 222-7279.